First place on the line in Winnipeg

MontrealAlouettes.com

WINNIPEG – Just two weeks removed from their battle for the top spot in the East Division, the Alouettes (7-5) again can move into a first place tie with the Blue Bombers (8-4) with a victory this Friday in Winnipeg.

“Each game as we get closer to the end of the season is going to be crucial,” stated Anthony Calvillo. “This is the first of the remaining six games left on the schedule. We know the importance of this game in terms of a possible tie-breaker.”

An Alouettes win would not only avenge the home loss they suffered to Winnipeg on September 23, but put them in the driver’s seat with five games to go.

Head coach Marc Trestman has been adamant about consistency and having his team play at a high level on a weekly basis.

“Our only job this week is to play like the team we were three weeks ago against Hamilton and last week against Edmonton. Our focus has to be on our performance and we must pay attention to details. So far this season, we haven’t been able to that for two consecutive weeks,” warned Trestman.

While the two-time defending Grey Cup champions are on the road and set to face a strong Winnipeg squad, the Blue Bombers will be without the services of quarterback Buck Pierce.

Pierce re-aggravated a rib injury in last week’s 25-24 road loss to Toronto and Alex Brink will make his second start with the Bombers. Star running back Fred Reid and fellow tailback Carl Volny will also be out of the lineup and both will miss the remainder of the season with torn ACLs.

Despite Winnipeg’s injury woes, the Alouettes are not about to take Coach Paul LaPolice’s team lightly.

“There hasn’t been any talk about that inside our locker room and that’s what is so great about coach Trestman – his ability to keep guys focused,” explained Calvillo. “I think every team has to deal with adversity and injuries. It’s part of the game and we are currently dealing with our own. But we never use that as an excuse when we step on the field.”

Calvillo sat out Wednesday’s practice but is confident that he will be under center on gameday.

“My legs were a bit tight so I just wanted to be fresh and well rested for the game,” confirmed the Als’ all-star pivot. “Everything is status quo in terms of how I am feeling mentally.”

Since leaving Edmonton, the 18-year veteran QB has shown no ill effects from last week’s hit by Eskimos defensive lineman Marcus Howard late in the third quarter.

“I’ve had no concussion-related symptoms this week. No nausea, no dizziness, no headaches, nothing at all,” described Calvillo. “It hasn’t gotten any worse and I was able to practice at full speed on Tuesday like I do every week.”

The East rivals will kick off at 7:30 p.m. EST at CanadInns Stadium. Catch all of the action on TSN HD, RDS HD, CJAD 800, Sirius 158 and 98,5 fm.

Here’s how the two teams match up so far this season: